GREEK · G1845
ἐξορκιστής
exorkistēs — exorcist
ἐξ-ορκιστής, -οῦ, ὁ (ἐξορκίζω), 1. one who administers an oath. 2. an exorcist: Act.19:13.† (AS)
1 tagged verse occurrence · see every occurrence →BIBLE DICTIONARY + WORD STUDY
Exorcist
Original Hebrew / Aramaic / Greek connected to this term
How to read this: there is rarely one magic “true meaning” hidden behind an English word. A lexicon records a word’s semantic range. The intended meaning is narrowed by grammar, sentence, author, historical usage and context.
HEBREW / ARAMAIC · H825
אַשָּׁף
ash.shaph — enchanter
1) necromancer, conjurer, 2) (TWOT) astrologer, enchanter, exorcist Aramaic equivalent: ash.shaph (אָשַׁף "enchanter" H0826)
2 tagged verse occurrences · see every occurrence →Historical dictionary entry
(Acts 19:13). “In that sceptical and therefore superstitious age professional exorcist abounded. Many of these professional exorcists were disreputable Jews, like Simon in Samaria and Elymas in Cyprus (8:9; 13:6).” Other references to exorcism as practised by the Jews are found in Matt. 12:27; Mark 9:38; Luke 9:49, 50. It would seem that it was an opinion among the Jews that miracles might be wrought by invoking the divine name. Thus also these “vagabond Jews” pretended that they could expel daemons. The power of casting out devils was conferred by Christ on his apostles (Matt. 10:8), and on the seventy (Luke 10:17-19), and was exercised by believers after his ascension (Mark 16:17; Acts 16:18); but this power was never spoken of as exorcism.
Scripture references
Acts 19:13Matthew 12:27Mark 9:38Luke 9:49Luke 9:50Matthew 10:8Luke 10:17-19Mark 16:17Acts 16:181 Samuel 16:23
Source: Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897). Historical dictionary wording reflects the scholarship and language of its era.